Dr. Elizabeth Makauki is a Tanzanian scholar and academic specializing in environmental science, nanotechnology, and sustainable water treatment technologies. She is currently an Assistant Lecturer at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha, Tanzania, where she has been actively engaged in teaching, research, and mentorship.

Her academic journey began with a Diploma in Education from Monduli Teachers’ College, followed by a Bachelor of Education in Science (BEd. Sci) from Mwenge University College of Education in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. She then pursued advanced studies at NM-AIST, where she earned her Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Engineering. Building on this foundation, she embarked on a PhD in Materials, Energy, Water and Environmental Sciences, focusing her research on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their composites for water treatment applications.

Dr. Makauki’s research interests lie at the intersection of nanotechnology, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability, with a particular emphasis on developing low-cost, innovative solutions for safe drinking water and clean energy access in marginalized communities. Her Master’s research explored the production of activated carbon from water hyacinth biomass for biogas upgrading, showcasing her commitment to addressing environmental challenges through resource recovery and circular economy principles.

Beyond her academic and research contributions, Dr. Makauki is an active member of several professional and scientific networks. She is affiliated with the International Younger Chemists Network (IYCN), African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), Tanzania Women in Agricultural Research and Development (TanzWARD), and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Tanzanian Chapter. Through these platforms, she promotes mentorship, women’s empowerment in science, and collaborative research.

Her career reflects a dedication to advancing science for sustainable development, particularly in tackling pressing environmental and societal challenges in Tanzania and across Africa.

1) International Younger Chemists Network (IYCN)
2) African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)
3) Tanzania Women in Agricultural Research and Development (TanzWARD)
4) The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Tanzanian Chapter

 Recipient of a Student Mobility Program (2021-2023) under the Erasmus Plus International Credit Mobility Action at the University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy.

 Recipient of the 2021 Queen Elizabeth Scholarship - Advanced Scholars Award implemented by Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.

 Mentorship role: Facilitating the development of emerging innovators as part of the Innoversity Project operated by NM-AIST (Arusha, Tanzania).

 Fellow mentee under African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD).

 Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Water Treatment

• Focuses on the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their composites.
• The project investigates how these nanomaterials can be applied to purify drinking water by removing contaminants and killing pathogenic microorganisms.
• The aim is to develop low-cost and sustainable nanotechnology solutions for water treatment, especially in marginalized and rural communities.

 Valorization of Water Hyacinth Biomass for Biogas Upgrading (Master’s Research Project)

• Explored the production of activated carbon from invasive water hyacinth plants.
• The activated carbon was applied in the removal of carbon dioxide from biogas, improving the quality of biogas for energy use.
• The project contributes to renewable energy generation while addressing the ecological problem of water hyacinth infestation.

 Community-based Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions (Ongoing Research Interests)

• Works on projects that combine environmental science and engineering to provide safe water and clean energy access to underserved communities.
• Investigates low-cost biomaterials, nanotechnology applications, and environmental engineering innovations to support Tanzania’s and Africa’s sustainable development goals.

Synergistic antimicrobial mechanisms of silver-doped zinc oxide for water treatment: a systematic review

E Makauki, R Machunda, O Basu, M Rwiza - H2Open Journal, 2025 - iwaponline.com

… NPs are materials with small particle sizes normally ranging from 1 to 100 nm (Makauki …
Scholarship-Advanced Scholars program (QES-AS) through the Canadian Queen Elizabeth II …

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Facile biosynthesis of Ag–ZnO nanocomposites using Launaea cornuta leaf extract and their antimicrobial activity

E Makauki, SG Mtavangu, OD Basu, M Rwiza… - Discover Nano, 2023 - Springer

The quest to synthesize safe, non-hazardous Ag–ZnO nanoomposites (NCs) with improved
physical and chemical properties has necessitated green synthesis approaches. In this …

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Launaea cornuta (wild lettuce) leaf extract: phytochemical analysis and synthesis of silver-zinc oxide nanocomposite

E Makauki, M Rwiza, R Machunda, OD Basu - Nano Express, 2024 - iopscience.iop.org

… Synthesis of Ag-ZnO NCs was adopted from Makauki et al using optimum conditions
reported in that study [40]. As presented in figure 1, in a 250 mm conical flask, 92 ml of Launaea …

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[PDF] Investigation of the Potential of Wild Lettuce for the Biosynthesis of Silver-Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites as Antimicrobial Agents for Water Treatment

E Makauki - 2025 - dspace.nm-aist.ac.tz

… I, Elizabeth Makauki, do hereby declare to the Senate of the Nelson Mandela African Institution
of Science and … Carl Arbogast Makauki for seeing an importance to educate a girl child. …

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Area of Specialization:

Biomaterial for Environmental Applications and Community-Based Research

Research Interests: Community-based research; environmental management; circular economy; biomaterial value chain analysis; climate change; societal transformation; appropriate technologies for water treatment; natural resource assessments; research communication; Swahili and native language advocacy; research methods; and energy materials for rural-Africa applications.